Masters degrees in Agricultural Microbiology focus specifically on micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and how they affect the cell structure of larger organisms such as plants and livestock. Issues such as pathology and immunology are also explored, in relation to their impact on agricultural practises.
Degrees in this area are mostly laboratory-based MSc courses, though research-based MRes and MPhil courses are also available at some institutions. Entry requirements may include a relevant undergraduate degree (in an Agriculture, or Biology subject).
There has never been a more urgent need to train food security researchers who are equipped with skills in agronomy, plant pathology, plant disease and plant genetics, and knowledge of modern agricultural systems and agricultural policy. As outlined in The Royal Society’s 2009 report Reaping the Benefits: science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture, it is of vital importance that we increase crop yields significantly over the next 50 years, while also decreasing our dependency on chemical intervention and fertilizers.
This interdisciplinary programme was developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, including: the agricultural industry, government agencies (including Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (defra) and The Food and Environment Research Agency (fera)), and farmers and food manufacturers. Research-led teaching in molecular plant pathology, plant sciences, and microbiology is strongly supplemented by Rothamsted Research, North Wyke expertise in grassland management, soil science, and sustainable farming systems. The combination of expertise in both arable and pastureland systems ensures a truly rounded learning experience. Leading social scientists also provide valuable input on land use and economic practices in rural areas.
The curriculum is designed to address critical shortages of experts capable of working in government agencies, agriculture, and the food industry as researchers, advisers, policy developers, and managers. The programme provides opportunities to gain industrial and practical experience and observe food security issues first-hand during field trips.
Teaching is enriched by expert contributions from a broad cross-section of the industry. Scientific staff from Fera provide specialist lectures as part of the Crop Security module, members of the Plant Health Inspectorate cover field aspects of plant pathology, and a LEAF1 farmer addresses agricultural systems and the realities of food production using integrated farm management. In addition, teaching staff from the University and BBSRC Rothamsted-North Wyke will draw on material and experiences from their academic research and scientific links with industry.
All students will have opportunities to gain industrial and practical experiences. Teaching visits will be made to the Plant Health Inspectorate in Cornwall to see quarantine management of Phytophthora, and to a local LEAF farm to review the challenges and approaches to food production in integrated farm management systems. You will gain specialised experience in practical science or policy making through a dissertation or project placement with external agencies. Defra and Fera, for example, are offering five dissertation and/or project placements annually.
The programme is made up of modules. The list of modules may include the following;
The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Please see the website for an up to date list (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/foodsecurity/#Programme-structure)
The MSc Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture curriculum has been designed in collaboration with the agricultural industry to tackle the skills shortage that exists in this vital interdisciplinary area. This programme will provide the highly skilled individuals required in government agencies, agriculture and food industries for critical roles in scientific research, advice, evaluation, policy development and implementation tackling the challenges of food security.
With food security and sustainable agriculture a global concern, opportunities for specialists in the areas of agronomy, plant pathology, plant disease and plant improvement will be worldwide. By combining expertise across the natural, social and political sciences, this programme provides valuable interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in both arable and pastureland systems. Graduates will be prepared to take on the global challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture, being able to adapt to farming systems across the world and identify cross-disciplinary solutions to local agricultural problems.
The programme is enriched by expert contributions from a broad cross-section of the industry, with specialist lectures, teaching visits to observe the practical application of techniques, and industrial placement opportunities for project work or dissertations in practical science or policy making.
Our Food Chain Systems MSc has been developed as a result of extensive industry-led research. The course examines the whole of the food chain from pre-harvest to market with the overall aim of enhancing the quality and safety of food.
The course is suitable for new graduates from a science or technology background who are interested in a career within the food industry. The course is also ideal for professionals already working in the industry who would like to train to further their careers. Available on a full and part-time basis the course offers flexibility and support for those who wish to train whilst remaining in employment.
Food Chain Systems MSc is part of the Agriculture and Food Programme. It provides a critical appreciation of the issues concerned with the production and supply of safe food in the modern world. Through the integration of scientific, technological and managerial factors students will learn how to use food resources more efficiently to achieve higher quality and safer food production as well as successfully understand and manage food supply chains.
The holistic approach of the MSc will provide you with a detailed understanding of the whole of the food chain system including:
Increasing consumer awareness and demand regarding food quality, nutrition and safety issues, coupled with intensifying competition within the rapidly changing food industry, has created a demand for individuals who are able to drive success in the management of key food chains in a modern global economic market.
Our Food Chain Systems MSc has been developed as a result of extensive industry-led research. It represents a unique offering within the UK and Europe in that it examines the whole of the food chain from pre-harvest to market through the integration of science, technology and management.
The holistic approach of the MSc responds to the increasingly integrated food supply chain ('farm to fork') and will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities in today's food industry.
Our MSc in Food Chain Systems benefits from input from an industry advisory panel with representatives from commercial organisations and non-commercial organisations, who help to ensure the course maintains its real-world relevance to the marketplace and industry focus. This involvement by industry makes successful students highly sought after in the employment market.
This course is accredited by Institution of Agricultural Engineers and Institute of Food Science and Technology.
The formal taught component of this course comprises eight compulsory modules. Each module is two weeks in duration, consisting of one week of lectures, practical work, site visits and one week for private study. Part-time students attend the first week of each module but may continue with coursework assignments at a suitable time and location. This element constitutes 40% of the overall mark.
Group project
Group projects provide students with an understanding of working on real challenges in the work place along with skills in team working, managing resources and developing reporting and presentation skills. Many of the projects are supported by external organisations and the experience gained is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. For part-time students a dissertation usually replaces the group project.
This element constitutes 20% of the overall mark.
Individual project
The four-month individual research project can be carried out within industry or academia and for part-time candidates it can be undertaken in your place of work. This key part of the course allows you to apply the research skills acquired during the taught phase of the course to a practical problem in health science and acts as an opportunity for you to meet potential future employers.
This element constitutes 40% of the overall mark.
Assessment
Taught Modules 40%, Group Project 20%, Individual Research Project 40%
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be able to pursue or enhance careers in a variety of key areas such as:
Employers will exist in a variety of food-related sectors including:
Cranfield graduates are very successful in achieving relevant work. Some 93% are in relevant employment or further study six months after graduation. For professionals already in industry, Cranfield qualifications enhance their careers, benefiting both the candidate and their employer.
Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading centres in Food Science and Technology in Europe and the world. The history of the Food Technology programme at the university goes back more than 50 years; it is considered to be one of the best and most innovative programmes in its field in Europe.
Wageningen (the Netherlands, 40.000 inhabitants, 10.000 students) is one of the leading areas for Food Technology and Nutrition in the world. Besides the many groups within Wageningen University & Research working on Food Science and Nutrition, there are also numerous companies and research institutes in Wageningen.
On the Programme of Food Technology page you can find the general outline of the programme and more detailed information about courses, theses and internships.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
Graduates of the Food Technology programme generally find a job in either one of the food industries, the government, universities or institutes. Around 10% of the graduates will pursue a PhD degree. Below you can find several stories of graduates Food Technology about their job. Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
Related programmes:
This programme has been designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of key steps in the development and launch of new ingredients and products to contribute to healthy living and lifestyles. It is based upon the strengths and expertise of staff working in the Faculty of Engineering and Science, e.g. human nutrition and public health, food chemistry and biochemistry, functional foods, marketing and economics, new product and process development, food packaging, food safety and quality management, food legislation, applied food microbiology, creative thinking, sustainability and entrepreneurship.
This programme is aimed at graduates who want to develop a career path in the food industry in the area of product development, for students who have not followed an undergraduate programme in food science or technology, and for professionals working in the food industry who want to participate in the programme, either in a part-time mode or by following a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) route. Students with backgrounds in Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Biotechnology and Hospitality are encouraged to join the programme.
This new programme is intended to prepare graduates from a life science or catering background for careers as professional Product Development Scientists, based upon a clear understanding and competency of science-based subjects.
Please note that as part of the compulsory courses below students will sit the Level 3 award in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) for Food Manufacturing course offered by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
The aims of the programme are to:
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 45 credits from this list of options.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 45 credits from this list of options.
Assessments will take the form of:
Graduates from this programme will have the knowledge and skills to pursue careers at government level, working in competent authorities; in the food industry as food technologists, including in the area of product development; or in hospitality sectors.
Food scientists integrate and apply fundamental knowledge from multiple disciplines to ensure a safe, nutritious, sustainable and high quality food supply, and to establish scientifically sound principles that guide policy and regulations pertaining to food on a global scale.
Since its inception in 1969, the Food Science Program at UBC has been a leader in providing opportunities for advanced study and research in Food Chemistry and Biochemistry, Process Science, Microbiology, Safety and Toxicology, Biotechnology, Quality Evaluation and Wine Biotechnology.
The innovative research conducted by UBC Food Science faculty members and students has led to national and international recognition in the form of awards and collaborations with research centres and universities both in Canada and around the world.
The program is uniquely situated in a Faculty that focuses on education and research to address issues around food, nutrition & health, and the responsible use of finite land and water resources to ensure a sustainable and safe food supply. In addition to laboratories equipped for chemical, analytical, molecular biology and microbiological (including Biosafety level 2) based research on food, the program houses pilot plant and sensory evaluation facilities for research requiring food-grade specifications.
Students can also access research facilities at UBC, such as the Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, BioImaging Facility and Michael Smith Laboratories, as well as through collaborations with other institutions including Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and the Department of Fisheries & Oceans.
Graduates with an MSc degree in Food Science from our program have rewarding careers as quality assurance technicians or managers in the food industry, as instructors or researchers at universities, colleges and government research centres, and as technicians in analytical laboratories.
Some graduates have gone on to obtain a Ph.D. degree in food science, while others have pursued further education in fields such as business administration, education, human kinetics, human nutrition and law.
The Master of Food Science (MFS) program was launched in 2007 with a focus to prepare students for professional work in the food industry or government. Since its inception, the MFS program has trained up to 30 graduate students per year.
After completing two semesters of course work, the program culminates with a 15‑week summer practicum in which the students get hands-on experience, working on a project in an industry or government setting. Throughout the years students have helped local, national and international food sectors to solve problems and provide advances in food safety, risk assessment, product development, sensory analysis and process validation studies.
Many of our alumni have commented that the combination of courses and practicum in this program has helped them to develop skills required for the current job market. In consultation with students, alumni and industry, the program continues to evolve, incorporating current topics relevant to the food sector.
MFS program is the only program in Canada to offer a one-year, non-thesis Master of Food Science degree. The program is unique in combining graduate level courses with a high quality practicum experience.
Every year a number of practicum sites either hire or extend their student’s contract. Although not all practicums result in an offer for post-graduation employment, some employers use their professional networks to refer graduates to their colleagues within the food sector.
Our graduates are hired by local and international companies and government agencies in positions of Quality Assurance Coordinator, Quality Control Manager, Technical Director, Research and Development Specialist, Product Design Specialist, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Specialist, Process Scientist and Consultant. A few graduates have pursued further studies towards a Ph.D. degree. You are encouraged to visit our Linkedin website to meet some of our graduates.
The Rome Business School’s Master in Agribusiness Management is the ideal academic course for professionals seeking a world-class degree programme in these disciplines, leading to a successful global career in the agro network field (production, seed and crop, harvest and stock in agriculture, market of commodities, food supply chain, food and wine business).
With the Rome Business School’s international perspective, the programme offers a unique learning experience and a global professional exposure, enabling participants to study in one of the best cities of the world or online. The programme’s quality teaching and networking services all contribute to make it the perfect fit for anyone who is looking to rise to the top in the world of farming, food production, or in the start-up agribusiness system.
In particular, on completing the programme, participants will be able to:
- Understand the characteristics and trends of the agri-food market and the role played by the farmers, industrialists, and their representatives in the organizations.
- Recognize the intersection of agribusiness with other areas of economic and social concern, such as economic development and new ways of production and business diversification (organic farming, biofuel, biogas, circular economy, etc…).
- Identify and manage the characteristics of the main food businesses and develop effective managerial strategies.
- Develop a comprehensive business plan for agri-food corporations.
- Utilize the most advanced marketing techniques to promote businesses and organizations.
- Manage the financial dimensions related to agricultural activities.
- Understand and utilize project management techniques for agricultural businesses.
- Manage the agri-food supply chain.
- Learn about the start-up ecosystem related to agribusiness.
- Master the use of new technologies within farmer or industrialist organizations and the most advanced production tools and channel.
- Learn about the international organizations operating in the agribusiness sector and the international policies and support linked to this economic sector.
- Meet farmers or food producers that changed their companies by taking new and radical approaches.
The Rome Business School’s Master’s Degree in Agribusiness Management is structured in:
- 6 months of Lectures + Additional Activities
- 6 months of project work
- Company visits
The Bordeaux Biology Agrosciences (B2AS) program offers an integrated multidisciplinary approach that is adapted to the realities of research (background research) as well as to the socio-economic sector (professional courses). The program objectives are to train and equip researchers and professionals to face the issues posed by agriculture in the 21st century. This is achived by integrating plant biotechnology and agrofood technology within course content in order to deal with the challenges of innovation in agriculture.
With such an integrated approach, the Master B2AS represents a meeting point between academia and professionals. During the program, students may specialize either in the field of plant biology, biotechnology, plant breeding, genetics, plant and human health benefits, food production and innovation. The wide partner network provides students with a range of complementary expertise. This means that specific competencies are developed within the chosen field of biotechnology and plant breeding for agriculture improvements.
Semester 1:
Scientific English (3 ECTS)
Plant development and reproduction (3 ECTS)
Metabolism and cellular compartmentation (3 ECTS)
Biotechonology (3 ECTS)
Plant pathogen interactions (3 ECTS)
Plant breeding (3 ECTS)
Quantitative and population genetics and evolution (3 ECTS)
Semester 2:
Laboratory Practice (6 months/30 ECTS)
During their studies, students will:
The objectives of the B2AS program are to prepare students for further study via PhD programs and/or careers in the food and agronomy industry throughout the world. This is achieved by providing high-level training in plant sciences but also by preparing students with relevant knowledge and skills in management and business.
Graduates may apply for positions in the following industrial sectors in a R&D laboratory as well as in production activities:
The ReNu2Farm project will explore the demand for nutrients and organic matter, at farm and regional levels, with the aim to make a map of regions in North West Europe with their specific nutrient and organic matter needs and propose alternatives to conventional fertilisers derived from recycling.
The project is a large European collaborative effort and involves multiple research partners from academia and industry from Belgium (2), France (1), Germany (2), Ireland (3), Luxembourg (1) and the Netherlands (1). The project is funded by the Interreg NWE (North-West Europe) programme, part of the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).
Nematode analyses will be done mostly using morphological approaches via microscopy based on appropriate keys. In addition, where necessary, molecular techniques will also be utilised to PCR amplify and sequence the 18S rDNA of certain nematode taxa. Data analysis by statistics and bioinformatics will also be carried out and various ecological indices will be calculated to assess the ecological impact of the novel fertilisers to the environment.
This position will provide the opportunity to the successful candidate to complete a Level 9 Master Degree by research, specialising in the environmental field, and most specifically on the ecological impact assessment of recycling derived fertilisers.
• A literature review will be completed by both students as soon as they start to bring them to the state of the art in this area.
• The students will work closely with two Irish partners (Teagasc, University of Limerick) to investigate the impact of fertilisers derived from recycling approaches on the microbiota (nematodes, fungi and bacteria) of Irish grass land soil.
• The successful candidates will have the opportunity to interact in a multidisciplinary European wide research project with important environmental application for sustainable agriculture, with relevant stakeholders in Ireland and in project partner countries.
• The project will involve traveling to trial sites, taking samples of soil and plant material, extracting nematodes, identifying them morphologically, extracting DNA and RNA, purification and quantification of DNA/RNA, sending nucleic acid samples for sequencing analysis, curating and analysing sequencing data and preparing data for publication, both in highly specialised scientific journals, but also in popular science media and project technical reports as required.
• The projects will involve travelling to meetings and conferences as required.
The successful candidates are expected to take up the postgraduate positions no later than September 2018.
Note: Postgraduate fees will be covered and a student stipend will be paid monthly for the duration of the project to each successful applicant.
Please apply to: Dr Thomaé Kakouli-Duarte ([email protected]) on or before 4th June 2018
The ReNu2Farm project will explore the demand for nutrients and organic matter, at farm and regional levels, with the aim to make a map of regions in North West Europe with their specific nutrient and organic matter needs and propose alternatives to conventional fertilisers derived from recycling.
The project is a large European collaborative effort and involves multiple research partners from academia and industry from Belgium (2), France (1), Germany (2), Ireland (3), Luxembourg (1) and the Netherlands (1). The project is funded by the Interreg NWE (North-West Europe) programme, part of the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).
The microbiota (bacteria and fungi) will be analysed using total DNA extraction, library construction, next generation DNA sequencing, bioinformatic and statistical analysis.
This position will provide the opportunity to the successful candidate to complete a Level 9 Master Degree by research, specialising in the environmental field, and most specifically on the ecological impact assessment of recycling derived fertilisers.
• A literature review will be completed by both students as soon as they start to bring them to the state of the art in this area.
• The students will work closely with two Irish partners (Teagasc, University of Limerick) to investigate the impact of fertilisers derived from recycling approaches on the microbiota (nematodes, fungi and bacteria) of Irish grass land soil.
• The successful candidates will have the opportunity to interact in a multidisciplinary European wide research project with important environmental application for sustainable agriculture, with relevant stakeholders in Ireland and in project partner countries.
• The project will involve traveling to trial sites, taking samples of soil and plant material, extracting nematodes, identifying them morphologically, extracting DNA and RNA, purification and quantification of DNA/RNA, sending nucleic acid samples for sequencing analysis, curating and analysing sequencing data and preparing data for publication, both in highly specialised scientific journals, but also in popular science media and project technical reports as required.
• The projects will involve travelling to meetings and conferences as required.
The successful candidates are expected to take up the postgraduate positions no later than September 2018.
Note: Postgraduate fees will be covered and a student stipend will be paid monthly for the duration of the project to each successful applicant.
Please apply to: Dr Thomaé Kakouli-Duarte ([email protected]) on or before 4th June 2018
